Willaim James Religious Experience

Question 1

What does James theory propose

Answer 1

Puts forward a theory about RE which is non-sensuous and non-intellectual and instead the object of mystical experience is a union w god

Question 2

Ineffabilty

Answer 2

By nature, a mystical experience cannot be described in words as the only subject can understand it

Question 3

Noetic quality

Answer 3

Mystical experiences must give rise to knowledge. People who have RE can be perceived as having some authority on religous terms.

Question 4

Did james believe in the criteria or the way that they present itself

Answer 4

Criteria are what matters, rather than the way by which the mystical experience present themselves

It does not matter how the experience comes to fruition/ achievement, all that matters is that it fulfils the criteria. Yoga, music, drugs and Deja vu are all valid forces of ME

Question 5

What does he believe about drug induced ME

Answer 5

Drug induced ME is a valid way of knowing god.
Talked about a person inhaling nitrous oxide being revealed ‘depth beyond depth of truth’

Question 6

God meeting the individual on a personal basis

Answer 6

God provides individualistic support to push each person towards their ideal life. He believed that different traditions have various ways of accessing the realm of the sacred e.g. Hindus may practice yoga, Buddhists may meditate, making him a pluralist. God reveals himself to individuals w different characteristics based on how that person needs ‘saving’

Question 7

St Theresa of Avila (intellectual)

Answer 7

“He renders himself present to the soul”
A union w god has been made here